J.HO.HO.B. Review: Springfield's Christmas Pop-Up Bar
Floor-to-ceiling lights, upside-down Christmas trees and cocktails served in ornaments and bikini-clad glasses. Here's what we ordered, what to know before you go, and whether it's worth the wait.
Open Nov. 5 – Dec. 31, 2026
- Tuesday (December only)4 PM – bar close
- Wednesday – Friday4 PM – bar close
- Saturday11 AM – bar close
Closed Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.
First come, first served. Minors are welcome with a guardian before 9 PM. A 3% service charge goes to the staff. Check job417.com before you go.
The vibe
Josh and I were excited to check out J.HO.HO.B. as our first official pop-up of the 2026 Christmas season. We loved this bar last year, and once again it kicked us right into the Christmas spirit as soon as we walked in.
Every inch of this place is decorated. Ornaments hang from the ceiling, Christmas trees are suspended upside down, tinsel and lights cover the walls, and there's a Santa at the bar (plus a bison in a Santa hat in the back room). It's loud, bright and so much fun, and it feels like walking into a Christmas movie.
The cocktails
The drinks are so fun! We both agreed that they were better than last year's lineup.
Our drink rankings
- Swinging in the HolidaysOur favorite of the night. This festive mule with vanilla vodka, pineapple, lime and ginger beer was bright, bubbly and easy to sip.
- ChristmASSIt's basically a piña colada, but it was refreshing instead of thick and too sweet like most. Plus, the glass is hilarious.
- Abuelo’s Hot ChocolateWe thought we'd hate peanut butter and jalapeño whiskey in hot chocolate, but we really liked it. Trust us and try it.
Full drink menu
The food
The food menu has favorites from The J.O.B. Public House next door: wings, chili cheese fries, burgers, chili mac and the Rasta Pasta, “a Springfield legend of over 20 years.”
We've ordered Micah’s Chicken ($15) several times at The J.O.B., and it didn't disappoint here either: lightly breaded chicken in a sweet-with-a-kick house sauce over basmati rice. And you can't go wrong with a classic burger. Get The Full Ride ($17), two beef patties with lettuce, tomato, caramelized onions, sharp cheddar and bacon, served with fries.
The Christmas Pop-Up Bar Crawl
New for 2026, three downtown Springfield Christmas pop-ups teamed up for a bar crawl. Grab a Silver Ticket, get it stamped at all three bars, and you'll unlock exclusive access to Jho B Easy, a brand-new speakeasy hidden inside J.HO.HO.B.
- 1Finnsmas Pop-Upinside Finnegan’s Wake
- 2The Leg Lamp Barinside Mudlounge
- 3J.HO.HO.B.at The J.O.B. Public House
Tips for your visit
- Go early. There are no reservations, and it fills up fast. It opens at 11 AM on Saturdays, so a daytime visit is your best bet for skipping the wait.
- Keep your group to 8 or fewer, or arrive early so they can seat you near each other.
- Bringing kids? Minors are welcome with a guardian before 9 PM.
- Do the bar crawl. Start at J.HO.HO.B. so you can end the night in the Jho B Easy speakeasy once your Silver Ticket is stamped.
- Wear your Christmas sweater. Everyone else will be.
- Be nice! House rules ask you not to snatch tables, to be kind to staff and to give up your table when you're done so the next group can enjoy it.
My verdict
Go for the over-the-top decor, order the Swinging in the Holidays, and get there early. It's the most festive spot in downtown Springfield this season.